The saga of the next CEO

There are two things we are talking about in Quebec at the moment. There is the pandemic, of course. Unfortunately, we all know someone who has caught COVID-19. And the other is the identity of the next general manager of the Canadiens.

Who is the CH going to hire? The hiring process began this week. Meetings by videoconference, due to the pandemic. An aspect that I deplore.

I have lived through it in my career, the hiring process for a position within a National League team. With the Nordiques, the Rangers, the Canadian. But they were happening in person.

With Zoom, it is difficult to see the candidate questioned well. His facial expressions, his body language, the winks …

A second particular aspect is that if the list disclosed by several media turns out to be true, everyone knows the people who have obtained a first interview for the position in the past few days.

We’re a long way from Anaheim, where the Ducks have embarked on a similar process. They also created a committee to find their next CEO, along with Scott Niedermayer and Paul Kariya. But in Anaheim, nobody cares about the candidates. No one knows them. Maybe their identities will never be made public.

And the day after the CEO’s appointment, everyone will have turned the page.

In the public eye

But here, as the list is known, those who are not chosen will not only have to live with their disappointment, but the public will also be aware of their failure. The journalists will call them to get their reaction, to find out how the interviews went.

They will have to keep their heads up. They can always say that at least they were among the candidates.

When Serge Savard gave the position of head coach of the Canadiens to Jacques Demers rather than to me, in 1992, I was disappointed. But I assure you that we are moving on.

Already, Patrick Roy was questioned Thursday whether he had been summoned. Patrick is not the type to tell lies. When asked a question, his response is instantaneous. He said he hadn’t had a call yet.

But everyone expects Roy to be entitled to his hearing. Will he be the last?

I knew Kent Hughes refused. Was he offered the job or contacted for an interview?

The situation is complex and interesting to follow. It has become a saga.

Especially because the Canadian takes his time. But does the organization have other choices? She can’t hire a GM for just a season or two. He needs to find the right complement to Jeff Gorton.

Be positive

Because basically the person hired will be Gorton’s assistant. He will not make the major decisions. When the Canadian comes to telling Carey Price that his journey with the Canadiens is over, it’s Gorton who will.

Everyone on the list has no experience, with the exception of Patrick Roy and Danièle Sauvageau, who have been head coaches and general managers.

There is a difference between being a player and being a coach, or GM. When you are a player, you sit and listen to the recommendations. When you are in charge, it is you who formulates them.

Here is my advice to all these candidates: be positive in interviews. Do not target the team’s problems, but rather its potential.

– Interview by Jessica Lapinski

The hiring of Chantal Machabée as vice-president of communications for the Canadian is unanimous. The men of hockey, the amateurs, her partners on television: all those who know Chantal, and even those who do not know her, are happy.

Chantal Machabée is a first-class professional. I worked with her, it was “fun”, she was always playful.

Big challenge

But it is a big challenge that awaits her and she will have to surround herself well.

The amount of work is immense. Holding this position with the Canadiens is a more difficult role than elsewhere in the National League. Notably because you have to work in both French and English.

That is why the Canadian had to hire someone with experience. It will have to please both.

But I see it as a promotion for Chantal. In my opinion, she was there in her career. I have no doubt that she will do the job.

I would also like to congratulate Élizabeth Mantha, who was named among the referees of the QMJHL. That opens the door to women.

I saw her at her first American League game in Laval. She seems so professional, in possession of her means.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are there. There will soon be a female referee in the NHL. And I wish Elizabeth it was her.